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Irlam’s Kingsland Drinks Group boosts insights team

Appointments

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05/10/2022

Irlam’s Kingsland Drinks Group boosts insights team

Kingsland Drinks Group has made two appointments to strengthen its insights team – Michelle Wilkinson joins as Category Manager and Fiona McClure takes on the role of Consumer and Insights Executive. Both hires will form part of the company’s wider strategy to work with customers to unlock category growth and ensure that insights play a key role in developing Kingsland Drinks Group’s product portfolio.

Michelle will be responsible for overseeing instore and online category management and will play a pivotal role in developing the company’s growth strategy. Utilising insights, she will identify opportunities for Kingsland Drinks’ brands, partner producers and customers. She will also work collaboratively with key customers on strategic category initiatives and identify opportunities for them to grow sales with the goal of driving their business forward.

With over 20 years’ experience, she has held senior category management roles across range of sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, health, and homewares.

Alongside the insights team, she will spur growth within multiple and independent retail and lead specific initiatives in online retail – a channel expected to grow significantly over the next decade as e-commerce and fast grocery delivery become more mainstream and command a bigger share of the category.

Fiona will support Michelle and the wider team on market, category and shopper insight projects, while leading consumer insights initiatives as Kingsland Drinks expands its branded portfolio. She joins from Hallmark Cards where she held multiple roles across product, commercial and marketing over a 24-year period. She brings a wealth of commercial experience and a fresh approach to the insights team.

Michelle says: “I’m excited to be taking on this role and to be a part of such a talented and passionate team of people with great strengths and skills, and with such a strong range of products. The insights team is expanding and it’s a real honour to be part of this growth – and to be working on the innovative and creative projects coming soon. I love the company values, the team spirit, the focus on sustainability, the ambitious plans and of course, the brilliant wines and spirits in the portfolio.”

Both will report into Charles Overin, Head of Marketing, Brand and Insights, who joined Kingsland Drinks in July 2021, and will work alongside Jenna Burbidge, Insights Manager.

Charles says, “Michelle and Fiona join the company during a period of significant expansion and investment, and our strong insights team plays a key role in the immediate and future growth of the business.

“It’s brilliant to have people with their capabilities and experience joining the team at this prosperous time. They will be a great asset to us as we continue to strengthen our established product range and bolster our position in the marketplace as an own label and branded supplier.

“The drinks category is changing, consumer preferences are evolving, and we need to ensure we move with the times and that our business decisions, category and brand development, and NPD are grounded in insights. We believe that our focus in this area will deliver successful results and to keep us ahead of the game.

“It’s a competitive marketplace and we’re all facing a range of challenges – but we’re confident in our position and ready to take the business to the next level.”

Headquartered at Irlam Locks, Salford, the leading importer and supplier of wines and spirits has over 100 global brands in its portfolio, including The Hidden Sea, Baron de Ley, Corte Molino and Campaneo. It services UK multiples, independent and convenience retailers and drinks stores, hospitality, wholesalers and cash and carries.

With a workforce of over 500 people, Kingsland Drinks switched to employee ownership in 2021 and invested heavily in its infrastructure, production capacities and sustainability policies. It has increased its capacity for bag in box wines, canning, installed a high-speed bottling line, and continues to invest in NPD and insights-driven product development. It has also launched its Thirsty Earth sustainability programme focusing on society, the economy and the environment.

To find out more about Kingsland Drinks’ portfolio and complete category solutions contact info@kingsland-drinks.com  

Phil Young takes Non-executive Director role at Pareto Financial Planning

Appointments

Sam Allcock

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05/10/2022

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Phil Young takes Non-executive Director role at Pareto Financial Planning

Phil Young has been appointed as a Non-executive Director at Manchester based Pareto Financial Planning.

Young joins award-winning Pareto Financial Planning following senior positions held most recently as chair of Sense Network until its acquisition by Adviser Services Holding in 2020. He was also chair of Ludlow Wealth Management until its acquisition by AIM listed Mattioli Woods 2021.

Paul Stones, Managing Director, Pareto Financial Planning, said: “We are delighted to welcome Phil to the Pareto team. He brings a wealth of experience in operational and client excellence, which will help us capitalise on the momentum and growth we have, and continue to experience.”

Phil Young, Non-executive Director Pareto Financial Planning, said: “Pareto has a great reputation for its focus on people first – whether that be clients or its staff – and I hope that I can play a part in this next stage of the businesses’ development. I’ve always been interested in the use of technology, and both organic and inorganic growth, all of which are key ingredients to Pareto’s business plan going forward.

Pareto Financial Planning recently announced that it had reported strong growth increasing turnover by 22% and exceeding £1 billion of assets under its management for the year ending 21/22.

Pareto Financial Planning’s head count also increased by 20% in 20/21 bringing the total number of employees to over 70. Pareto Financial Planning has a number of open positions as it looks to further expand its team.

Manchester based global energy technology company raises £11,000 for MS Society

News

Sam Allcock

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05/10/2022

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Manchester based global energy technology company raises £11,000 for MS Society

Manchester based Landis+Gyr, a leading global energy technology company and smart meter manufacturer has raised £11,351.40 for the MS Society following an epic three day, 148 mile charity cycle ride.

A team of six riders from the organisation set off from the satellite office in Peterborough to their state of the art smart energy HQ, The Landing in Manchester, tackling the 148 mile to raise funds and awareness for the MS Society. The charity funds research, care and treatment for Multiple Sclerosis – a neurological condition affects over 130,000 people in the UK. The team includes six riders, Jon Knight, Amanda Harrison, Tracey McLoughlin, Anna Odrobinska, Ruslans Belijs and Tom Bamber.

Amanda Harrison employee at Landis+Gyr and one of the six riders said, “During the pandemic, a number of us got back into cycling and we decided we wanted to do something meaningful with it and make an impact for a worthwhile charity that a number of people here have a personal link to. It’s been hard work and a lot of fun and we really hope the funds raised can help this amazing charity.”

Simon Egan, Managing Director at Landis+Gyr said “We are incredibly proud of the team and their monumental effort to give something back to this important charity, which is why Landis+Gyr has offered to match the amount raised. We are committed to playing an active role in the communities we live in, and this is a perfect example of that. Everything we do is about improving the lives of people and businesses that we interact with and this challenge personifies this.”

To find out more about the MS Society visit the website – https://www.mssociety.org.uk.

Downing chooses First Street interior designers

Appointments

Sam Allcock

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05/10/2022

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Downing chooses First Street interior designers

Downing has appointed KKA to lead the interiors team on its £400m mixed-use scheme at First Street, with work well underway at the transformational site.

After a competitive selection process that saw five different architecture and interior design firms go head-to-head, KKA’s interiors team (KKAI) has been selected after the proposed concepts aligned with the long-term vision of the mixed-use scheme, whilst paying homage to the site’s rich heritage.

KKA will be responsible for the interior design of 2,224 co-living bedrooms and amenity space across three new towers rising to 45 storeys, as well as working in collaboration with architects SimpsonHaugh and landscape consultant Optimised Environments (OPEN) to deliver community-centric public realm for the whole neighbourhood.

The scheme provides a hectare of new landscaped public park and landscaped gardens, over half of which is accessible to the general public. Including the addition 140 new trees, and commercial units that open directly onto it, this greenspace will boost biodiversity, improve air quality and improve the wellbeing of both residents and the wider community of First Street and neighbouring areas.

Andy Thomas, Operations Director at Downing, said: “First Street is a really important project for everyone at Downing, but also for everyone in Manchester. We are delighted to be regenerating such an important plot of land in the heart of Manchester’s city centre.

“Our ambitions for the scheme is to create a community-centric neighbourhood for residents to thrive. We believe that having great outdoor space will be at the heart of this, not only for aesthetic purposes but becoming a haven for residents to soak up the outdoors and to meet and socialise with friends and family.”

The new development will create an urban residential village in the heart of Manchester. It will offer prime city centre living in an affordable, social environment.

The new development will include more than 2,224 bedrooms split across a mix of accommodation types and price-points, ranging from private studios to five-bedroom apartments, as well as conventional one and two-bedroom apartments.

A vast indoor private amenity offer will be provided to supplement the living accommodation, as well as 17,000 sf of commercial leisure, F&B and retail space.

Nicola Ball, Associate Interior Designer at KKA, said: “The whole team is tremendously pleased to have been appointed to this important, transformational scheme in the heart of Manchester, which will be our largest mixed-use scheme to date.

“The interiors team at KKA are excited at the prospect of pushing the boundaries of this project to deliver a first-class, inspiring development for the end user. Sitting on the site of the historic gasworks, First Street comes with a tremendous amount of heritage and we plan to pay homage to this throughout our designs.”

Travel advice ahead of the Manchester Half Marathon this weekend

News

Sam Allcock

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05/10/2022

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Travel advice ahead of the Manchester Half Marathon this weekend

The Manchester Half Marathon is back this year with a new race route, which will see runners take on the city centre for the first time ever.

With over 15,000 runners taking on 13.1 mile challenge on Sunday 9 October, people are being urged to plan ahead when making travel plans to avoid the road closures being put in place and the expected crowds.

For those taking part in the event and people attending to support and cheer on friends and family, Metrolink will be operating a six-minute double service on the Altrincham line to get people to the start line, and home after the race.

The starting point will be on Chester Road, near Trafford Bar tram stop, with the finish line on Talbot Road, a short walk from Old Trafford tram stop.

If possible avoid driving through areas where the race is taking place on the day as roads in Old Trafford, Stretford, Chorlton, Hulme and Manchester city centre will have closures in place until the evening. If you do have to drive allow extra time for your journey and consider walking or cycling for shorter trips if you can as it may be quicker.

A number of bus services will also be diverted from the start of service until approximately 6pm. Dedicated travel advice for the half marathon can be found on the TfGM website and anyone supporting at the event can visit this map with the run route and nearest Metrolink stops.

TfGM’s Head of Customer Experience, Sean Dyball, said: “We’re wishing runners the best of luck for Sunday, and to help get runners and spectators to the event, we will be increasing capacity on Metrolink by running as many double trams as possible and adjusting frequencies on the day to provide the best service we can.

“To avoid congestion from the road closures and for a more enjoyable journey, consider jumping on the tram and using contactless for a fast and efficient way to pay. We are also encouraging people to use one of TfGM’s Park and Ride sites – where you can park for free and complete your journey on the tram to the race line.

“For those travelling down the night before, please be aware there are rail strikes on the Saturday 8 October so plan ahead by checking with the rail operator. We are also constantly updating the customer information available on our website and across our social media channels to help people make informed journey choices.”

For live travel updates please follow @OfficialTfGM or visit tfgm.com.

Oxify – Now open in Manchester.

News

Sam Allcock

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05/10/2022

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Manchester has been at the forefront of many cutting-edge technologies over the decades.

From the industrial revolution’s shuttle to the modern-day computer, Manchester now welcomes the opening of Oxify’s 3rd offering. You can find Oxify’s new centre, just 10 mins from Manchesters’ bustling heart and a stone’s throw from the A580 with its links to Liverpool. Oxify now offers alternative and non-invasive therapy to help relieve countless ailments and a myriad of sporting injuries.

Oxygen treatment is known as HbOT by doctors. It stands for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HbOT). There are two parts to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HbOT) – Increased purity of Oxygen and Higher than normal pressure. The air we normally breathe contains 21% oxygen and 78% nitrogen, with the remaining 1% being contributed by noble gases and carbon dioxide.

In HbOT, you breathe 95% pure oxygen. The chambers are pressurised to 1.45 Bar, which is almost one and a half times the pressure we usually experience in our everyday lives. The unique HbOT combination of pure oxygen at high pressure has been shown to revitalise the body. Better still, these benefits involve no drugs and are non-intrusive

At Oxify, they use their (HbOT) therapy to treat various sports injuries, from acute traumatic injury to muscle contusions and ankle sprains, as well as many debilitating and chronic diseases, from Parkinson’s Disease, Fibromyalgia, Dementia to Stokes and Migraines (HbOT). There are many benefits to using the treatment and much-growing evidence and testament. Oxygen is also the primary fuel for skin rejuvenation, improving elasticity and helping to reduce cellulite and wrinkles.

Some sports stars who have used hyperbaric oxygen therapy include Marcus Rashford, Mohamed Salah, Neymar da Silva Santos, Michael Phelps, and LeBron James.

Even the former Sky Sports pundit Chris Kamara has opened up about his battle with his speech condition Apraxia and how going into Oxify’s chambers for regular therapy has given him more confidence and helped subdue the brain fog.

Most people think the diving community first found Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to treat decompression illness. But, nothing could be further from the truth, with oxygen therapy beginning as early as 1662, when the British physician Nathaniel Henshaw built the first pressurised room to treat pulmonary and digestive conditions. It wasn’t until 1799 that it was used as a compression hyperbaric air diving bell for underwater repairs.

Over more recent years, there has been much more positive research and papers written on its ever-growing and far-reaching benefits;

As such HbOT can provide a fantastic therapy for a huge range of ailments & issues from tissue recovery, stress relief, skin rejuvenation, chronic fatigue, sports recovery and so much more.

Here is one such paper published, on Long Covid;

https://www.rcpjournals.org/content/clinmedicine/21/6/e629

More can be found on its benefits here;

https://www.oxify.co.uk/what-are-the-benefits/

Or visit the Oxify website for more information;

https://www.oxify.co.uk/

And lots of great testimonials;

https://www.oxify.co.uk/testimonials-what-our-clients-say/

Oxify’s short-term vision is to have another dozen therapy centres to help grow awareness and help benefit more people without the use of invasive treatments or dangerous side effects.

In the long term, Oxify will become the number one go-to clinic of non-evasive hyperbaric oxygen therapy you can rely on and trust to help you and your loved ones live a longer and healthier life.

To visit Manchesters branch;

Call 0161 240 6223 or Email info@oxify.co.uk. or Visit Oxify, Grosvenor House, Agecroft Enterprise Park, Downcast Way, Pendlebury, Manchester, M27 8UW

Public Inquiry opens into game-changing Hulton Park plans

Blog

Sam Allcock

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05/10/2022

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Ambitious plans to put Bolton on the international sporting map and restore a historic and unseen piece of the town’s heritage will be heard this week at a Public Inquiry.

The Inquiry – taking place at the Holiday Inn, Bolton on October 6^th and 7^th – follows Bolton Council’s rejection of landowner Peel L&P’s revised and improved plans for the historic Hulton Park estate earlier this year.

Previous proposals for Hulton Park were approved by the Council in 2018 and the UK Secretary of State in 2020. Going against the advice of officers, the Council’s Planning Committee then refused the revised plans in February 2022.

The project would be a game-changer for Bolton and Greater Manchester, delivering around £250m of private sector investment, creating over 1,000 jobs overall plus a range of skills opportunities, promoting health and wellbeing, and boosting local tourism and events. The plans are underpinned by bringing The Ryder Cup – the largest and most prestigious international golf championship – to Bolton, and would be complemented by regular golf, community and other events.

Hulton Park remains one of only two English venues shortlisted by UK Sport and Ryder Cup Europe for an English bid for the 2031 Ryder Cup.

Ahead of the Inquiry, new images of the planned Academy and golf course have been released. A key part of Peel L&P’s extensive legacy plans for the Championship golf course, the Academy will provide Bolton and Greater Manchester with a high-quality grassroots facility including a modern driving range, learning spaces, adventure course and a par 3 course, where young and inexperienced golfers can learn the game. Peel L&P has worked closely with golf bodies to create a vision for Hulton Park being a hub of inclusive golf for the country. A new image of The Ryder Cup event shows the scale of the spectacle at Hulton Park.

The revised plans provide greater community benefits and additional transport infrastructure and reduce the level of housebuilding within the Green Belt. Hulton Park would be restored and opened-up for community access for the first time in its 700-year history, delivering 15km of new and improved public walking and cycling trails for families, residents and visitors to enjoy.

Richard Knight, Director of Planning and Strategy at Peel L&P said: “We’ve said it before but this is a huge opportunity for Bolton. The boost to the local economy, and the prosperity and wellbeing of local communities arising from such a project would be enormous.

“Bringing The Ryder Cup – one of world’s premier sporting events – to Bolton would be an Olympic moment for the town, but our proposals are about so much more. There would be regular golf events but also a venue for conferencing, staycations, days out – all of which would help regenerate the area. The plans include new facilities and infrastructure for the community, and much-needed new homes with a reduced impact on the Green Belt than our previously approved plans.

“By opening Hulton Park to the public for the first time in history, local people will benefit from vastly improved access to greenspace including new and improved public walking and cycling trails in the historic parkland. Our successful Hulton Park Happenings events this summer – and others taking place later this month – are demonstrating the Park’s potential to host a range of community events long into the future.

“Alongside our supporters, we look forward to articulating our case for this ambitious and transformative project at the Inquiry this week. We are continuing discussions with Ryder Cup Europe and UK Sport, and if we are successful with the appeal we hope to see that process move forward quickly.”

Peel L&P’s plans have received backing from a wide range of influential local and regional organisations including The University of Bolton and Bolton College, GreaterSport, CBI North West, the Greater Manchester Chamber, Marketing Manchester, and Bolton Wanderers FC.

CORIOLISS APPOINTS K2L DIGITAL AGENCY TO SUPPORT UK LAUNCH

Partnerships

Sam Allcock

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05/10/2022

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CORIOLISS APPOINTS K2L DIGITAL AGENCY TO SUPPORT UK LAUNCH

Media City based digital performance marketing agency K2L has been appointed by Spanish lifestyle brand Corioliss to manage its digital campaign strategy across Google, Facebook, and Instagram.

Corioliss is a Spanish lifestyle brand offering its own range of hair straighteners, hair curlers, hair dryers, and other hair accessories. Having built up a successful brand in Spain, Corioliss is now launching in the UK.

K2L has been brought on to lead the digital campaign strategy, helping to grow the Corioliss following and client base here in the UK: K2L will be responsible for influencer activation and day-to-day management on Google, Facebook, and Instagram. The team was specifically chosen due to their experience in the beauty and fashion sector, including previous clients such as Beauty Bay, Bootea, and Utan.

Noelia A, from Corioliss, said: “We’d been searching for a UK Partner for some time before we spoke to K2L. They immediately impressed us with their knowledge and understanding in the beauty and fashion sector and gave us great confidence that they’d be the right people to work with.”

Scott Kennedy, Managing Director of K2L, said: “Corioliss has created a well-respected brand in Spain and we’re excited to see their products in the UK. They have ambitious plans and we’re excited to be part of it.”

Demand for high quality office space soars in Manchester

Thought Leaders

Sam Allcock

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05/10/2022

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Demand for high quality office space soars in Manchester

Leading commercial property consultancy, Hartnell Taylor Cook has today announced that 42 Fountain Street has achieved 50% capacity following its Grade A refurbishment at the end of last year.

The news follows a bumper year for the Manchester office market, which has recorded almost 500,000 sq. ft of take-up and the completion of 124 occupier deals this year. Changing occupier demands has seen businesses flock towards Grade A space in the city and has led to a surge in activity, with take-up 16% higher in the last quarter than the previous year.

Following its refurbishment last year, completed by Adapt, Jones Hargreaves and Inco, 42 Fountain Street has let 13,000 sq. ft. of stylish and contemporary office space across six storeys, with construction company Mace moving into the top floor of the building. The basement has been completely renovated to provide a cycle & shower hub, changing rooms and electric vehicle charging points – making it one of the city’s most sustainable offices – and the building now boasts a brand-new state of the art fitness studio and a stunning new boutique reception.

Located a stone’s throw from the Northern Quarter, the retail district, and the Civic Quarter; the building is surrounded by some of the most iconic heritage that the city has to offer and is strategically located to ensure businesses have easy access to all the main commuter routes.

In response to occupier demand, Hartnell Taylor Cook has been working alongside Adapt and Jones Hargreaves to transform 42 Fountain Street into one of Manchester’s most luxurious and premium office spaces.

Kevin Mills, Senior Associate Director at Hartnell Taylor Cook, who currently manages 42 Fountain Street, said:

“42 Fountain Street offers a great opportunity for businesses to grow and flourish in this bustling business hub. In recent months, businesses have been flocking towards 42 Fountain Street as the competition for Grade A office space has intensified and this type of premium office space on circa 3,500 sq ft floor plates has become an increasingly rare find.

“As the flight to quality continues, more and more businesses are on the lookout for well-located, high-quality office space, and Manchester’s market is perfectly placed to respond to this demand.”

Daniel Varney joins Glaisyers ETL as corporate partner

Appointments

Sam Allcock

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05/10/2022

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Daniel Varney joins Glaisyers ETL as corporate partner

Glaisyers ETL has appointed the highly regarded dealmaker Daniel Varney as a partner in its corporate team. Mr Varney joins from Clyde & Co, following its recent merger with BLM.

Mr Varney led BLM’s national corporate and commercial department and, during a career spanning more than 20 years, he has held the role of corporate partner at Clyde & Co, Clarke Wilmott and Pannone. He began his career at the latter firm, where he worked from 2001 to 2014.

Carrying out all aspects of corporate and commercial work, Mr Varney focuses on mergers, acquisitions and disposals, private equity and venture capital transactions. He has particular expertise in the property, digital, technology, leisure and e-commerce sectors, and his clients range from start-ups to international corporates, and from business founders to high net worth, sophisticated investors.

The Legal 500-listed corporate team he joins at Glaisyers ETL is led by William Pinnock, partner and head of corporate, and includes partner Julian Bond, associate Niki Polymeridou and solicitor Liliana Armitage.

Mr Pinnock said, “Daniel is one of the most highly respected corporate lawyers in the North West. He has built a great reputation, and client base, among independently owned businesses and their shareholders – exactly the market on which we focus at Glaisyers ETL.

“I look forward to working with him over the years ahead as we build our practice among business owners and investors throughout the UK and beyond.”

Glaisyers ETL is a national law firm with its headquarters in Manchester and an office in the City of London. In 2018 it became part of the ETL Global group of professional services businesses, which employs 18,000 people across over 1,300 offices in more than 50 countries worldwide.

This global network was, according to Mr Varney, one of his key reasons for joining the firm. He said, “The people, ethos and ambitious growth strategy of Glaisyers ETL really speak to me. I am delighted to join the team to continue to grow the firm’s corporate offering.

“The team advises on high-quality work for high-quality clients regionally, nationally and internationally and, as a member of ETL Global, we have a fabulous platform for growth.”

In addition to Mr Varney’s appointment, Glaisyers ETL has this autumn awarded three new training contracts.

Grace Sloan, who joined Glaisyers ETL as a litigation paralegal in 2020, studied for her LPC at the University of Law while working for the firm. She has now begun her training contract with a seat in the corporate team.

Natalya McPartland has joined the firm on a training contract having recently obtained a distinction in her LPC with an MSc in Law, Business and Management at the University of Law. Her first seat sees her working with Glaisyers ETL’s Legal 500-listed private client team.

Ryan Baratzi has also joined Glaisyers ETL on a training contract, the first seat of which is within the firm’s fast-growing, Legal 500-listed commercial litigation practice. He recently achieved a distinction in his LPC, for which he studied at Manchester Metropolitan University.

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